BRISTOL, Connecticut — Thursday marks one year since tragedy hit Bristol when two officers were shot and killed in an ambush responding to a 911 call.
Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy died in the line of duty. Officer Alec Iurato was wounded in that ambush attack. One year later, the community is continuing to honor those officers for their sacrifices.
In many neighborhoods in Bristol, homes like Valerie Bilodeau’s are lit with blue lights.
“I’ve actually driven around in the neighborhood to see the overwhelming support, that the community has come together over such a tragic event that happened. I put my blue lights up last year,” said Valerie Bilodeau.
The lights are a special tribute yet a painful reminder of what happened on October 12, 2022.
“It broke my heart to think of the families that were affected by it. Out of nowhere, one minute you have a husband, a father. The next minute you don’t,” said Bilodeau.
People from every corner of the city honoring these fallen heroes in their own way.
“Because of the one-year anniversary on October 12, these Halloween lights that you see on right now, they will not be on tomorrow night. We will honor our two fallen officers which should have never happened,” said Jason DeCarolis.
Lights on Rosewood is also helping turn the city blue and adding a new special tribute to their display.
“It’s our part to remember our fallen heroes. We added these lights to our roof that present our two heroes going up to heaven so they can see the light from down here,” said Osenkowski.
The creators of Lights on Rosewood hope their extravagant display will be a place for people to come to share cherished moments together.
“Whoever would want to stop by just to spend time out here, say a prayer, or talk, we’re here with them,” said Lori Osenkowski.
One year after this tragedy that changed this community, people are still reminded to be, "Bristol Strong."
There is a vigil at Bristol Police headquarters Thursday night at 7 p.m. to honor those officers.
DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com.
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